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Get to know your customers (and boost sales) with these print marketing tools

January 18, 2018

Truly knowing your customers lends insights you can use to better understand their needs and desires, which lets you offer better products, services, and marketing that ultimately leads to increased sales and profits. Despite this, an IBM study found that 80 percent of consumers say brands really do not know them.

How many customers are you losing because you do not know them well enough? How many new customers are you missing out on because you do not understand them? These are questions every business should be asking.

Know your customers, and you can provide the best products and services, develop strong marketing materials that clearly convey the benefits and solutions they’re seeking, foster long-term customer loyalty, and boost sales year over year. You can start to get to know your customers with the following print marketing tools.

Response cards

You can print postcard-sized response cards on a C1S or velvet cover paper stock (so it can be written on), then place them with every order. Ask customers relevant questions that will help you provide a better service and meet their needs.

Increase response rates by including prepaid business reply postage so customers don’t need to purchase stamps to reply. You can also add an incentive for responding; for example, the promise of a discount coupon or freebie to all respondents.

Invitation cards

Consider hosting an event for your customers and printing custom invitation cards to invite them to participate. Not only can you get to know your customers first-hand at your event, you can assign different codes to separate mailings by demographics to help you understand which types of customers like to attend your events. That data can inform future campaigns and enhance marketing efficiency.

ID badges

If you operate a retail store or a service-based business staffed by employees, consider printing ID badges that encourage customers to ask for help. An ID badge that reads “Hi, my name is Jenna! Please ask me for recommendations!” could be all you need to start a dialogue with your customers – and ensure customers don’t leave without asking for help.

Business cards

Business cards can do much more than simply list your contact information. Print business cards designed to encourage prospects to follow up. For example, the back of your business card might offer a one-on-one consultation that delivers real value; for example:

What to expect when you call me

We’ll have a conversation so I can learn more about your financial goals

Table tents

If you operate a restaurant, you can print table tents to use as vehicles for getting to know your customers. One idea is to ask customers to sign up for your email newsletters or social media page right from their tables. Even better, ask them to answer a quick survey using their smartphones. Offer an incentive such as a discount on their next meal to encourage responses.

Loyalty/rewards cards

Loyalty/rewards cards can be powerful ways to thank your best customers, and they can also help you get to know them. One idea is to include brief surveys when they sign up. Another way is to actively track what they buy; since your most frequent customers will use your loyalty/rewards cards, this can provide insight into what your best customers buy, when they buy it, how much they spend, and other information you can use to improve your business.

Ready to learn more about your customers so you can improve your business and boost sales? Do it for less with discount printing today!

About Brian Morris

Brian Morris serves in various capacities as a freelance writer, content developer and public relations specialist for growing small businesses. When he’s not writing, he can be found on the racquetball court - usually getting his tail kicked by guys 20 years older.

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The PsPrint Blog is a resource for graphic designers, freelancers, small business owners and fans of print marketing. You'll find helpful techniques on printing everything there is to print, including business cards, postcards, brochures, stickers, invitations, greeting cards, door hangers, magnets and more. The PsPrint Blog shares creative ways to improve your design and layout skills, and useful tips for marketing your business in any medium. We also like to have a little fun, sharing design inspiration and spotlighting some our favorite customers' printed pieces in our "Hot Off the Press" series.